Because of this blog and my occupation I spend a great deal of time talking to retailers, restauranteurs, and business people. I hear the same thing all the time, "Where are all of the customers?", "If things don't change I don't know if I can make it." My heart goes out to these owners. I get frustrated when I hear about my neighbors and friends taking their dining and shopping dollars outside of the neighborhood or hanging out, shopping, or dining at a NATIONAL CHAIN. Yet these are the same people that will complain when we have no unique restaurants or shops and instead have vacant storefronts. Yes, times are tough and people are tightening the purse strings but we know we still go out to eat periodically and we have to shop for birthday gifts and the necessities of life.
Here are a few suggestions:
The next time you need a pound of coffee instead of going to the super market buy a fresh pound from your favorite local cafe! Beverly Bakery 105th & Western is ROASTING IT'S OWN! It is the only coffee roaster south of Bridgeport! Other options are the Beverly Coffee Shop 111th & Fairfield, Favia 107th at Metra, Blue Moon 103rd at Metra. Beverly's Pantry sells Intelligentsia which is what they serve next door at Cafe 103. All the coffee will be 100% better, fresher, comparably priced and the cafe owner will sincerely appreciate your business.
The next time you plan a girls' night out or dinner with friends, STAY IN THE NEIGHBOROOD! Support the restaurants or they won't be here for us. You're also supporting the waitstaff and employees that live local and need your tips! Relax, have a sip of wine or beer, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing you're just a few minutes away from your little darlings yet a world away mentally and having a great dinner and night out at Cafe 103, Koda, Ken's, Richies, Franconellos, Fox's Pub or any of our other fine restaurants.
The next time you need a small gift or unique item check out one of our local retailers. Think outside the box. Many of our local florists, cafes, gourmet shops, etc. will have a unique gift that will surprise you and delight the receiver! Try Gumption Gifts, Beverly's Pantry Gourmet gifts, World Music, Simmerling Gallery all on 103rd at the Metra. Check out Ms. Priss and Blossom Boys, Red Bliss and Lori's Cake Walk Chicago at 99th & the Metra.
Hankering for a bite to eat, want something fresh and lite and inexpensive without all the time and big tip of a sit down restaurant? Try one of the local cafe/coffee shops mentioned above, grab a bite at Calabria Italian Deli Cafe on 103rd at the Metra or dine at the latest entre into the cafe scene with excellant food, Sweet Escapes in Mt. Greenwood at 104th & Kedzie. They have the BEST CORNED BEEF SANDWICH and more.
This week or weekend, instead of going to a movie at a big theatre or trying to think of something to do just check out The Music Station or The Beverly Art Center website and pick something, dang it!
Seriously folks... We are all in this together. Let's help each other and help out our community.
I will say it again, say it loud, SHOP, DINE, SOCIALIZE LOCAL!
0 comments:
Post a Comment